Hussar (/həˈzɑr/ hə-zar, /hʊˈzɑr/, or spelling pronunciation /həˈsɑr/ hə-sar) refers to a number of types of light cavalry which originated in Hungary during the 15th century. The title and distinctive dress of these horsemen was subsequently widely adopted by light cavalry regiments in European and other armies. A number of armored or ceremonial mounted units in modern armies retain the designation of hussars.